If the shot is a candid or 'environmental portrait' then I'm not posing them. The language barrier makes that impossible. If I see a pose when I'm walking about that I like then I'll just waggle the camera and if I get a 'yes' then ask them not to move. Obviously if it's candid then I'll be shooting with an 85mm or so and further away, so I'll make it look as much as possible as if I'm photographing past the subject of around the subject and then wait for the right moment. If they're standing still or sitting still then using the AF lock button on the back of my Nikon I'll acquire focus, look away and see if I can sense the right moment to take the shot. I then know I'm locked on focus without having to resort to zone focussing and larger depth of field.

No.s 4 and 28- the light reflected from those garments is incredible. Thanks for catching it.

Thanks MrCliff

The clothing and the way it drapes really lends itself to b&w tones, which is brought out further in my processing technique. Tonal contrast adjustments using Nik Software Colour Efex, before conversion to b&w, can either give you a pseudo HDR look if over done or a subtle pop to the subjects and clothing if you hold back a little.